(12) His kingdom was established greatly.--From the notice in the closing verse of the chapter, that after the deaths of Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei, and the degradation of Abiathar, "the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon," it would seem that, under the smooth surface of apparent loyalty, there lurked some elements of disaffection and danger--perhaps aggravated by enmity from without; for we gather from 1Kings 11:14-25 that the death of David was the signal for some attempts at rebellion in the conquered nations. But these are apparently crushed without the slightest effort, though with no little fierceness and severity; and the royalty of Solomon rises at once to a colossal greatness.

Verse 12. - And Solomon sate on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom [i.e., dominion, sway] was established greatly. [Cf. 2 Chronicles 1:1, 2. This verse serves as a kind of heading or introduction to the rest of the chapter. It was principally by the removal of rivals and disaffected persons that his sway was established.

2:12-25 Solomon received Bathsheba with all the respect that was owing to a mother; but let none be asked for that which they ought not to grant. It ill becomes a good man to prefer a bad request, or to appear in a bad cause. According to eastern customs it was plain that Adonijah sought to be king, by his asking for Abishag as his wife, and Solomon could not be safe while he lived. Ambitious, turbulent spirits commonly prepare death for themselves. Many a head has been lost by catching at a crown.